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The stories that shaped us in 2016

Firefighters and police officers wave to people returning to Fort McMurray on June, 1 2016. Approximately 15,000 residents returned on the first day the city reopened, nearly a month after an out-of-control wildfire forced them to flee. Greg Southam/Postmedia Network

It was only the start of the human tragedy, though. In the months following, thousands of people made the painful decision not to return to Fort McMurray, while others simply could not come back.

The invisible scars to the mind slowly came forward; by August, Alberta Health Services had dealt with 20,000 mental health referrals in the region. Before the fire, the annual average was 1,200.

Emily Stairs argues with a municipal engineer during a public forum for Waterways residents at Shell Place in Fort McMurray, Alta. on Thursday September 8, 2016. Vincent McDermott/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Network

Residents, particularly in Waterways, argue rebuilding efforts are out of touch with their needs

Yet questions about clearing debris, health and environmental concerns from the province, and uncertainty regarding flood mitigation in Waterways meant it will not be until 2017 until heavy construction would start, while residents felt their immediate window to rebuild closed from red tape.

Ron Quintal, president of the Fort McKay Metis, sits next to other rural residents during a council meeting in Fort McMurray, Alta. on Monday June 20, 2016. Vincent McDermott/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Networ

The coalition said the deferral was the latest example of broken promises from the municipality, dating back to promises made in 1995 when the region amalgamated into the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Gene Ouellette, owner of Four Seasons Power Sports, stands in front of the remains of his Waterways store on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. Cullen Bird/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Network

Already struggling from oil prices, local business struggles worsen after the wildfire

The start of the year was already hard on Fort McMurray's stores, restaurants and home businesses struggling to survive the economic downturn. The trends of lost revenue and slow business were amplified after the wildfire.

The bill threatened to rewrite how municipalities could collect taxes from rural areas, particularly non-residential tax classes. The municipality charges this class, which includes oil companies and operators in Wood Buffalo, 18 times higher than residential rates, providing 90 per cent of the municipality’s income. Bill 21 would limit that ratio to five.

In October, council was assured Wood Buffalo would get enough time to make the transition easier. In December, Bill 21 was passed, with the current 18-to-1 rate grandfathered. However, taxes are set to be revisited in 2017.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, speaks to people greeting her outside an event at Shell Place for first responders on Friday, June 24, 2016. She joined Governor General David Johnston for a tour of the region, surveying first responders and presenting commendations to first responders and volunteers. Robert Murray/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Network

Along with Mayor Melissa Blake and Fire Chief Darby Allen, the group toured Beacon Hill, visited Shell Place to meet with first responders.

The two ended the trip with a visit Chief Ron Kreutzer of the Fort McMurray First Nation, while Johnston started the day with a trip to Fort McKay, thanking the First Nation for their assistance during the evacuation.

Commendations were given to local leaders during the fire and both First Nations for their work in the immediate aftermath of the evacuation.

Despite protests from alumni, the student body and residents, the campus was unwavering in their decision, arguing they would save $220,000 in the 2016-17 budget and the program was too costly to maintain.

“We’re starting to think different now. We’re starting to think the environment we’re in today is the new normal. It’s not a short-term aberration. It’s not a short-term dip,” Ward said. “It’s this low price environment, this low commodity environment that we’re going to be in for the long-term.”

The Fort McMurray Monarchs run onto the field to celebrate their victory in the CMFL national championship game. Robert Murray/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Network

The Fort McMurray Monarchs capture the 2016 CMFL title

The Fort McMurray Monarchs started their year far from home, but brought back the biggest prize of the year to Shell Place.

The Monarchs eventually returned home in mid-June, remaining undefeated after a Week Two loss to the Central Alberta Buccaneers. Additions to the team after that loss, most notably quarterback Will Arndt, made the Monarchs’ offence feared by opponents.

The Monarchs had their revenge against the Bucs, beating them on their own turf in the Alberta Football League championship game as they battled the elements in a soggy affair.

Danny Berg of Saskatchewan holds the 2016 Baseball Canada Cup. The Regional Recreation Corporation announced Wednesday they would play host to the 2018 Baseball Canada 18U Championships in August 2018. Robert Murray/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Network

In regards to overall attendance numbers, the event was dominated by the parents of players, which was to be expected, but the atmosphere surrounding the event left a strong impression, and the criticisms of the event’s success quickly fell away.

Connor Brady, Keyano Huskies men's soccer head coach, celebrates after his team wins their semi-final match against the Capilano Blues during the second day of the CCAA Men's Soccer Nationals at Shell Place on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Robert Murray/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Network

Keyano Huskies men's soccer team secures a national silver

In their 30-plus seasons of post-secondary athletic competition, one statistic had always eluded the Keyano College Huskies. In the traditional team sport national championships they had attended, the school had never won their opening game at the tournament, let alone come close to medalling.

That changed in November, as the Keyano Huskies men’s soccer team hosted the CCAA's men’s soccer national championships. McMurrayite and head coach Connor Brady brought the team out of the basement in the league and led them to an impressive run, breaking the record for the longest undefeated streak in ACAC men’s soccer regular season play, while winning three straight medals at the conference championships.

The Huskies entered the national championship on a high, winning their quarter-final and semi-final games. They ultimately fell in the final game to the Humber Hawks, but the Huskies were the talk of the tournament as their silver was their first ever team medal at a national championship tournament.

With their championship window likely closed due to the graduation of several players and uncertainty about returning players, the medal remains one of the largest on-field successes for the school.